In order to improve the quality of life of the aged, The Korean Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (KAGG), as a non-profit NGO, has been engaging energetically in various kinds of activities and work such as organizing and holding professional forums and world-wide academic congresses, researching and developing policies and measures, and bringing the senior welfare system to realization.

The KAGS, which consists of gerontology and geriatrics scholars, policy-makers, specialists, researchers, and others, represents Korea both in name and in expertise with over 5,000 members as a group of experts and specialist.

Aimed at researching issues regarding the elderly as well as developing the goverments-policies and plans for senior welfare, the KAGG has so far been engaged in the following businesses :

The KAGG was first founded under the title of Korean Gerontology Societies in 1993 in association with the Korean Gerontological Society, the Korean Society for Gerontology, and the Korean Geriatrics Society. It formally registered as a legal organization under the title of ‘the Federation of Korean Gerontological Societies’ in May 1997. The number of associated societies increased to four with the joining of the Korean Association for Geriatric Psychiatry in 2003, and since then the Federation has been witnessing impressive growth as scientific organization that represents Korea well in the world scientific community.

The KAGG, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2007, holds a professional forum for specialists and scholars four times a year and an annual academic conference once a year during which scientific knowledge is exchanged between specialists and scientific societies. It has grown to become a mecca for domestic academic research in the fields of gerontology and geriatrics as well as an important participant for international academic congresses.

Besides, the KAGG extends its attention to public welfare-promotion projects to ensure the healthy lifestyles for the aged through activities such as the education of longevity dancing exercise, healthy longevity contests, festivals for the aged, etc. in cooperation with Korean Government.

The KAGG has also joined in international activities. The KAGG successfully hosted the 6th Asia/Oceania Regional Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics in Seoul in 1999 and participated in both the 17th World Congress of Gerontology Vancouver, Canada and the 18th World Congress in Brazil by showing its active works to the world. At the 2005 World Congress of Gerontology in Brazil, the Federation scored a great success by being allowed to invite the 20th World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics to Seoul in 2013.

Based on its successful take-off, the Korean Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics is on its way to becoming a center for international research and a hub of academic exchanged, meeting the expectations of Korea and the world.

The IAGG(International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics) was first established in Belgium in July 1950. It was established to improve the quality of life of the world’s elderly by sharing research results on health, welfare and rights, functioning as a worldwide network to achieve the goal.

It was originally known as the international Association of Gerontological Societies and then It was later changed to the international Association of Gerontology(IAG). In 2004, the IAG’s Council of Directors decided to include geriatrics in the name., hence the change to IAGG for the 18th World Congrss in 2005.

Now it has organizations in 64 countries representing each country from five oceans and six continents. This international academic organization boasts a world membership of over 45,100.

The IAGG is working as a UN consultant and it also a member of CONGO(Conference of Non-governmental Organizations).
Between 1951 and 1981 world congresses of gerontology were opened every three years and from 1985, they have been held every 4 years. In addition IAGG regional conferences representing six countries open every four years. The 6th Asia-Oceania Regional Congress of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics was successfully held in Seoul in 1999